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Shimanami Kaido Scenic Drive & Matsuyama Onsen Experience - Private Car Full Day Tour (8 Hours)
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Joined 2026
Experience one of Japan’s most scenic coastal drives along the Shimanami Kaido, crossing 6 beautiful islands connected by iconic bridges over the Seto Inland Sea, part of a region with over 3,000 islands. Enjoy stunning ocean views and quiet island towns along the way.
Continue to Matsuyama and relax at Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, said to have inspired Spirited Away by Studio Ghibli. A perfect mix of nature, culture, and relaxation in one day.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
- Other options: Hiroshima Station/ Port/Airport. Your guide will pick you up in a private car at your location.
Drive to Onomichi
Leave the city behind and enter a more relaxed countryside setting.
Lunch in Onomichi
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Onomichi is known for its relaxed atmosphere and regional specialties such as ramen or seafood. Your guide can recommend options based on your preference.
Shimanami Kaido Scenic Drive
Begin your journey across one of Japan’s most iconic coastal routes. Cross multiple islands connected by impressive bridges, with stops at scenic viewpoints for photos and short walks.
Continue to Matsuyama - Ehime Prefecture
Relax as you continue through the Seto Inland Sea region toward Ehime Prefecture.
Onsen Experience at Dogo Onsen (or alternative)
Unwind in one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs. Late afternoon timing helps avoid peak crowds. Alternative onsen may be selected to ensure the best experience.
Walk Around Dogo Onsen Area
Take a relaxing stroll through the charming streets surrounding Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most atmospheric hot spring districts.
The area is filled with traditional wooden buildings, small shops, and local cafés, creating a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. As you walk, you’ll find souvenirs, local sweets, and places to try regional snacks, all centered around the iconic bathhouse.
The compact layout makes it easy to explore at a leisurely pace after your onsen experience. In the evening, the streets become softly lit, offering a calm and scenic atmosphere perfect for a gentle walk.
Drive back to Hiroshima City Area
Drop off at your hotel (or Station / Port/ Airport)
Ending Point
Drop off at your hotel (or Station / Port/ Airport)
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Guide (Driver)
- Hotel Pick-up or Port, Airport pick-up
- Private Car Transportation (Toyota Copen GR for solo travellers, Toyota Harrier for 2, Toyota Alphard luxury minivan for 3 or more travellers.)
- Gasoline, toll and parking fees
- Lunch (Around $15 USD per person)
- Onsen entrance tickets (Around $5 USD per person)
- Personal expenses
Tour Important Information
Please follow below Onsen / Bathhouse Etiquette
* Wash before entering: Shower and clean your body at the washing stations before using the bath
* No swimsuits: Baths are used fully nude (separate areas for men and women)
* Towels stay out of the bath: Do not place your towel in the water
* Tattoos: Some facilities may restrict visible tattoos (covering may be required)
* Quiet atmosphere: Keep voices low and avoid splashing
* No phones or cameras inside the bathing area
* Hair tied up: Keep long hair out of the water
* Stay hydrated and avoid bathing immediately after alcohol
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2026
About Tour Guide Kate M.
Hello! My name is Kate, and I’m a local guide based in Hiroshima.
I grew up in both Japan and Australia and fluent in both English and Japanese.
I offer comfortable car tours, allowing us to explore more locations at a relaxed pace, perfect for discovering both famous highlights and hidden gems.
I have a deep love for Hiroshima and its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. My goal is to share this special place with you in a way that feels personal, meaningful, and unforgettable.
I’m also happy to fully customize your tour based on your interests, whether you’d like to focus on history, local cuisine, scenic spots, or off-the-beaten-path experiences.
I look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima and creating a memorable journey together!
Reviews
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Rowena S.
“Smooth Transaction”
Kate is a professional guide, it was a last minute booking yet she provided an excellent service. She's easy to reach to and provides update, a very smooth transaction. We will definitely get her service for our future bookings. Thanks, Kate!
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Kate M.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so glad the communication felt smooth and reliable. Thank you for trusting me with your booking, and I'd love to help again with any future trips! Kind regards, Kate
Anthoni D.
“exceptional ”
simply the best guide I be ever experienced, perfect knowledge shared in a very special and personal style, thank you
Kate M.
Thank you so much, Anthoni! I really enjoyed getting to know you. I could really feel your love for Japanese culture, not just the history, and honestly it made me even more proud to be your guide. I hope your travels ahead are wonderful! Kind regards, Kate
Hans D.
“Wonderful and meaningful Hiroshima experience!”
We had an absolutely wonderful tour in Hiroshima with Kate. From picking us up at our hotel until bringing us back, everything was perfectly taken care of. In her calm, warm and personal way, Kate introduced our family to the impactful history of Hiroshima, while also sharing its powerful message of hope and peace. She is very knowledgeable, but what made the experience truly special was her genuine warmth and the personal conversations we had throughout the day. We feel very grateful that we could experience Hiroshima together as a family, and Kate made our visit even more meaningful and memorable. We wholeheartedly recommend Kate to anyone visiting Hiroshima. An exceptional guide and, above all, a very warm person.
Kate M.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Hans! I'm so glad you and your family enjoyed your time in Hiroshima. I'm also so happy we got to share different cultures, experiences, and life stories along the way. Those conversations meant a lot to me too. Although it was only 4 short hours, I'm so glad to have met you and your wonderful family. I wish you all safe travels this week to Tokyo and back home, and please let me know anytime you're back in Hiroshima. I'd love to welcome you again! Kind regards, Kate
$512/ per group
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